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Why we cough

Ever wondered why we cough, or perhaps why staff at the chemist always ask what 'kind' of cough we are looking to treat?

The short answer as to why we cough is that it’s our body’s attempt to expel anything it doesn’t like, in order to protect us. This can be linked to acid reflux, irritants, mucus related to colds and flus or even hay fever. Unfortunately, a lingering cough can lead to broken sleep, an irritated throat – and just irritation in general! The trick to treating a cough is to understand what type of cough it is (different medicines hinder or help different coughs which is why it’s always the first question you’ll be asked at the chemists counter) and treating the underlying cause.

The wet cough

Also known as a chesty or productive cough, this kind of cough produces phlegm or mucus (referred to a sputum) - and as bringing the mucus or phlegm up and out of the lungs is its purpose, they shouldn't be suppressed. There are many causes of a productive cough, such as:

Viralillnesses - in this scenario, the coughing is likely to be caused by the mucus that drains down the back of the throat. Wet coughs may also be caused by mucus dripping down the throat from the nose - which may or may not be related to a viral illness.

Infection - infections of the upper airway or the lungs can cause a wet cough, and can be symptomatic of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, or tuberculosis.

How to treat it

Interestingly, ivy leaf extract has been found to help with coughs and the underlying bronchial infections. It has also shown some promise as an anti-spasmodic and muscle relaxant, which is helpful for coughing fits caused by excessive muscle spasms bought on by extended coughing (meaning it won’t interfere with productive coughs, but may help relieve the follow on coughs common after a coughing fit).

The dry cough

The scratchy (sometimes ‘barking’) cough that produces no phlegm is also aptly referred to as a non-productive cough. There are many reasons for a dry cough, including allergies (hay fever) or exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals. Other causes include:

Viral illnesses - after a cold has passed, a dry cough may last several weeks longer than other symptoms and often gets worse at night.

Bronchospasm - this refers to spasms in the bronchial tubes, which is caused by irritation.

Asthma - other symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. It is best to seek medical attention if you suspect asthma and your child hasn't been diagnosed.

How to treat it

Medicine to stop a dry cough is called a cough suppressant, and as the name suggests, it works to supress the cough – handy to get a good night’s sleep.

If the cough is down to irritants, it’s obviously a good idea to avoid the cause of the irritation (though this isn’t always possible). Honey and lemon tea is not only good at providing a salve for sore, dry throats, it has actually been shown to act as a natural cough suppressant – one study showed honey to be as effective as a common cough suppressant ingredient, dextromethorphan, in typical over-the-counter doses.

As well as treating your cough, always remember it is there for a reason so treating the underlying causes is just as important as treating the cough! That means plenty of rest, fresh fruit and veggies (make up a big jug of fresh veggie juice with a bit of apple and orange to sweeten if your throat is too sore for food) and water.